April 1, 2026
Following the review of Canada's compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the United Nations Human Rights Committee (“Committee”) expressed concern in its Concluding Observations about the extremely low number of trafficking convictions. The Committee urged Canada to ensure human trafficking survivors receive full reparation, including restitution and compensation, and called on the government to strengthen mechanisms for holding Canadian corporations accountable for human rights abuses abroad, noting that the existing framework fails to provide victims with effective remedies.
Reparations for Human Trafficking Victims
The International Justice and Human Rights (IJHR) Clinic has previously highlighted significant structural gaps in Canada’s response to human trafficking. Between 2012 and 2023, only 1 in 10 trafficking cases resulted in a guilty verdict. Separately, between 2014 and 2019, only 1.6% of criminal convictions resulted in restitution orders for survivors.
In response to the Concluding Observations, IJHR Clinic urges Canada to establish a Federal Victim Compensation Fund to guarantee equitable protection and compensation for survivors nationwide. The IJHR Clinic also calls for a coordinated legal framework to address coerced debt, which affects at least 1 in 4 survivors and leaves them burdened with an average of $20,000 in fraudulent loans, severely limiting their ability to rebuild their lives.
The Committee further raised concerns regarding the exploitation of migrant workers, highlighting the structural vulnerabilities that leave them at risk of abuse. It recommended that Canada urgently reform employer-tied work permits and strengthen labour inspections to ensure workers can safely report exploitation without fear of deportation.
Corporate Human Rights Accountability and Systemic Oversight
The Committee’s observations on corporate human rights accountability reinforce concerns regarding Canada’s Responsible Business Framework. In particular, the Committee highlighted that the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) lacks the power to provide effective remedies to victims, and has been vacant since May 2025 - leaving existing complaints unprocessed.
In line with the Clinic’s recommendations, the Committee urged the immediate appointment of a new Ombudsperson and strengthening the CORE’s investigative powers. Most critically, the Committee recommended that Canada adopt binding legislation requiring businesses to conduct human rights due diligence. Existing authorities and prior proposals, including Bill C-262 (Corporate Responsibility to Protect Human Rights Act), model legislation The Corporate Respect for Human Rights and the Environment Abroad Act developed by the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability, and the IJHR Clinic’s own Transparency in Supply Chains Act, are helpful guidance for Canada to implement these recommendations.
Urgent Need for Systemic Reform
The Committee’s recommendations underscore the urgent need for a coherent, nationwide human rights framework. Canada must ensure trafficking survivors receive full reparations and hold corporations accountable for abuses abroad. Implementing these reforms would not only protect vulnerable populations but also strengthen Canada’s global reputation as a leader in human rights, in full alignment with its obligations under the ICCPR.